BIOLOGISTS CONDUCT PINELANDS TIMBER RATTLESNAKE STUDY

For more information contact:
Al Ivany at 609-984-1795

Biologists with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife's Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP) are currently conducting a study on timber rattlesnakes in the Pine Barrens of South Jersey. Timber rattlesnakes are an endangered species in New Jersey and the study's major objective is to locate active rattlesnake dens in this region.

"Cooperation of residents and visitors to the Pinelands is vital to the success of this study," said DEP Commissioner Bradley Campbell. "We are asking that anyone who sees a timber rattlesnake contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife as soon as possible."

Working in cooperation with the Pinelands Commission, ENSP biologists will be radio tracking rattlesnakes in the hopes of following these snakes to their dens in the fall. In order to capture snakes for the telemetry study, the ENSP is requesting that residents immediately notify them of any rattlesnake sightings.

For those who spot a rattlesnake, the following actions should be taken: 1) stay calm and keep your distance from the snake; 2) if possible, have someone watch over the snake while you call to report the sighting; and 3) report the sighting to the Division of Fish & Wildlife immediately by calling 1-877-WARN DEP. For more information about this study visit the Division's website at www.njfishandwildlife.com/tmbratlr.htm.